Christine Coe during a hula hooping class at the Aspire Community Studio in Essex on Nov. 13. / LYNN MONTY/Free Press

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Free Press Staff Writer

With a gentle throw to the left, a weighted hula hoop spun around the hips of Christine Coe effortlessly in an exercise class last week.

Coe, 27, of Milton lost 80 pounds this way last year.

She received her Hoopnotica instructor license in April. Now she teaches Hoop Fitness through Essex Junction Recreation and Parks at the Aspire Community Studio in Essex Junction.

There are hundreds of moves, and hoopers can expect to burn about 400 to 600 calories per class.

Turns out the light plastic toy many grew up with has become a popular and instrumental tool for weight loss. Working with weighted hoops improves balance and strengthens core muscles.

Coe said she had been overweight since grade school and struggled with different diets and exercises over the years. “I never really stuck with anything until I found hooping,” she said. “Hooping has given me a new sense of confidence and something to work towards.”

There is an exercise out there for everyone, Coe said. “You just need to find what works for you, and as soon as you do, it won't feel like work anymore,” she said. “The best advice I could give to someone trying to lose weight would be to not let the weight you have to lose defeat you.”

Coe said it was her bad knees that had her sitting out of most cardio activities. “I needed a good low impact cardio workout,” Coe said. “I found hooping is a good way to workout and have fun, and it doesn’t feel like a workout.”

Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Program Coordinator Nicole Fields not only organized the hula hoop classes to happen at Aspire, she’s one of Coe’s most dedicated students. Last week was her first class.

“I was a little intimidated at first,” Fields said. “I haven’t done it since I was a kid. The actual technique that you use is different than you would think. You definitely feel it the next day. It’s a great ab and arm workout.”

For a full listing of Essex Junction Recreation and Parks programs visit www.ejrp.org.